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A SENIOR WA Police constable has had his car impounded after he was caught driving at more than 170kmh on a Perth highway last week.
The 36-year-old officer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was caught travelling at an alleged 172kmh in a 100kmh zone on Tonkin Highway in Forrestfield early last Friday.
The East Metropolitan District officer was off-duty at the time and was driving home in his own vehicle after completing a shift.
He was charged by summons with reckless driving, while his Commodore was seized last night after police issued a surrender notice for the offence.
It is believed he is the first police officer to have his car impounded after being caught for reckless driving since the current hoon laws were introduced.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Michelle Fyfe denied the officer had been given preferential treatment by not having his car seized immediately after the speeding offence.
“(The surrender notice) is a new sanction that has been brought in,” she said.
“Since January 1, nearly 500 people have been afforded that opportunity.
“The car is still off the road for 28 days, and that is the point.”
Ms Fyfe said the decision taken by the uniformed officers not to immediately seize the car would be reviewed.
She said the officer was currently on weekend leave and a decision whether or not to stand him down would be made by Friday.
“I spend a lot of time standing here talking to the media and the community about driving safely on our roads, so personally I find this disappointing,” she said.
“This instance goes to show that no matter who you are in this community, if you are found to be speeding, you will be dealt with by traffic enforcement officers.”
The officer will face Midland Magistrates Court on August 25.
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